Practice And Tournament Volumes Of Young Golfers In Regional And National Squads

Practice plays a part in determining skill development, expertise (Ericsson & Pool, 2016; Baker et al., 2003), levels of creativity (Memmert et al., 2010) psychological preparation, increases in novice golfers’ gray matter (Bezzola et al., 2011), and decision making (Baker et al., 2003). Currently there is little empirical research demonstrating the amount of practice golfers conduct on a session to session, weekly, monthly, seasonal or annual basis and the impact this can have on their handicap. Previous research has suggested that deliberate practice can explain some of the variance in performance levels (Macnamara et al., 2016). However, with a paucity of golf specific research in this area, it is important to establish the volumes being undertaken and the impact of those volumes on the golfer’s ability. This initial study aimed to establish the practice and tournament volumes of young golfers involved in a national governing body’s development programme and investigate how practice volumes influence handicap

E-book usage amongst academic librarians in South Africa

The purpose of this study completed in 2010 was to investigate the use of e-books amongst academic librarians; in particular which e-books are available to academic librarians, why they choose this format, what impact e-books have on librarians’ professional practice and what the usage patterns of e-books are amongst academic librarians. A web-based questionnaire was distributed on the LIASA mailing list. The results reflect a more gradual trend towards e-book adoption. There is still a preference for print or a “bit of both” – print and electronic. This is because of the high costs of e-books using the subscription model as the predominant e-book acquisition model and the lack of sufficient e-books in all subject fields. E-books are used for “browsing for information” and are selected for functionalities such as having the ability to search the document, anytime access and automatic citation. Major problems identified with e-books are: the cost of the equipment to read e-book formats; the cost of the e-books, especially if the subscription purchasing model is used; the lack of reliability of the Internet; and the lack of training in the use of e-books.Department of HE and Training approved lis

From state agencies to ordinary citizens: reframing risk-mitigation investments and their impact to disrupt urban risk traps in Lima, Peru

The understanding of linkages between disaster risk and urban development has seen important advances in recent decades. However, it falls short in addressing the production and reproduction of so-called urban “risk traps”, which are accumulation cycles of everyday risks and small-scale disasters with highly localized impacts, particularly on impoverished urban dwellers. Drawing on the action-research project cLIMA sin Riesgo, this paper examines risk-mitigating investment actions of state agencies, residents and communities in Barrios Altos, in the historic centre of Lima, Peru, and José Carlos Mariátegui, in the periphery. The analysis shows that residents tend to be caught in risk traps not necessarily due to lacking investments, but paradoxically despite them and their unintended effects. Furthermore, accumulated fragmented investments erode the capacity to act of those at risk and perpetuate risk accumulation cycles. The paper argues for a re-assessment of risk-mitigation investments and their intended and unintended consequences, and suggests routes to address current shortcomings in order to disrupt “risk traps”

Sports science for golf: A survey of high-skilled golfers’ “perceptions” and “practices”

Despite a growing body of evidence on the positive impact of sports science for golf, there is still a paucity of research investigating the “perceptions” and “practices” of high-skilled golfers. Professional Golfers’ Association Assistant Professionals (future-qualified coaches; n = 430) were surveyed on their “perceptions” and “practices” of “sports science”, “warm-ups”, “cool-downs” and “strength and conditioning” for golf. Participants perceived the discipline of sports science as beneficial to golfers but lacked implementation in coaching settings. Warm-up protocols were also perceived to be beneficial to all aspects of golf performance; however, the duration of tournament-based (37.84 ± 20.05 min), warm-ups was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than practice rounds (26.26 ± 18.63 min) and range sessions (13.00 ± 13.38 min). Education continues to be required to raise the understanding of warm-ups for golf. There were mixed perceptions regarding the benefits of a cool-down, with 62.1% of the high-skilled golfers omitting a cool-down following tournament play and practice. Strength and conditioning was perceived as beneficial, with 78.51% engaging in some form of training throughout the year. Results confirm, however, that certain misconceptions around surveyed sports science practices still exist and it is imperative that education disseminates research findings and validated applied practices to coaches and golfers alike

Warm-Up Habits of Highly-Skilled Golfers Prior to Practice and Tournament Conditions

Biomechanics and Physiology Purpose Extensive research has highlighted that the incorporation of a warm-up can significantly improve clubhead speed (Moran et al., 2009; Fradkin et al., 2004), ball speed (Moran et al., 2009), swing path (Moran et al., 2009), and centeredness of strike (Tilley & Macfarlane, 2012; Moran et al., 2009). Research conducted by Fradkin et al., (2003) surveyed 1040 amateur golfers based on their attitudes towards pre-performance preparation, with 70% of the golfers indicating they never or seldom warm-up. With only 5.8% of their sample holding a handicap between 0-10, it indicates that the sample predominantly consisted of lower-skilled golfers. Whilst this provides some indication as to the pre-performance preparation habits of golfers, there is no evidence to date that has sought to establish the warm-up habits of highly-skilled golfers across both practice and tournament conditions. Using an observational study, Bridge et al., (2008) evidenced that Ladies European Tour golfers (n=25) performed a mixture of static and dynamic stretches which ranged from 27-29 seconds over consecutive tournament days. Whilst this provides evidence of the 'observed' warm-up practices of elite golfers prior to tournament rounds (TR), there is a paucity of evidence surrounding warm-up habits prior to driving range practice sessions (RS) and practice rounds (PR). The aim of this current study was to analyse the warm-up habits of highly-skilled golfers prior to 3 practice / tournament conditions ([RS], [PR] and [TR])

The Golf Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach Interface:Understanding Individual and Mutual Aspects of Training and Supporting Golfers’ Development

Introduction Strength and conditioning (S&amp;C) is a widely recognised discipline forming part of a golfer’s overall development process, and guides for golfers and golf coaches to successfully utilise S&amp;C have recently been published[1]. S&amp;C aids golfers by supporting the development of various aspects of physicality that influence the determinants of golf. Substantive empirical evidence demonstrates that, at the elite level, stronger golfers produce higher clubhead speeds[2]. Increasing clubhead speed supports improvements in drive distance and this aspect of golf performance is a critical aspect of successful play, with longer hitters having lower handicaps at amateur level [3] and better scoring at elite level [4]. However, the introduction of S&amp;C to the golfer’s overall performance plan is not without challenge. Recent evidence demonstrated that while golfers often pursue S&amp;C as a strategy to improve their on-course performance, their practices and perceptions of how to effectively utilise S&amp;C in their development can be misaligned with best practice or training theory [5]. Similarly, golfers employ Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) qualified coaches to support their development. However, PGA professional coaches and S&amp;C coaches have areas of interest that overlap and it may be unclear where responsibility and accountability should be directed for the development of these performance aspects. The perceptions of PGA professional coaches of S&amp;C for golf shown that while golf coaches value and use S&amp;C services, they may not include S&amp;C coaches in important developmental processes such as performance planning and practice scheduling [6]. These areas of mutual and shared interest and professional responsibility are potential sources of conflict. The golfer, S&amp;C coach and PGA professional have been encouraged to work collaboratively to ensure optimal and efficient support for golfers [6,7]. However, a framework to support this has not been developed. Therefore, this study aimed to create a visual model that describes aspects of a golfer’s training and development and which aspects of performance require increased PGA professional coach input, S&amp;C coach input, or where these responsibilities interface and shared responsibility can be viable. MethodsA visual model of PGA professional coach and S&amp;C coach responsibilities as pertains to supporting a golfer’s development are displayed in Figure 1. It is recognised in the model that certain aspects of a golfer’s development will have a greater natural fit with either coach, but there exists a central interface, an area of overlap where both coaches can support the golfer. It is these areas where the greatest opportunity for mutual collaboration exist, but conversely, this interface can be a source of potential conflict.ResultsFigure 1: The PGA Professional coach and S&amp;C Coach Interface. Developmental aspects on the left side of the diagram represent an increasing PGA Professional Coach responsibility. Right side is increasingly the S&amp;C Coach remit, with the central interface or crossover being areas of shared, mutual interest and responsibility.Discussion and ConclusionsThe interface between PGA Professional Coach and S&amp;C Coach is one that represents an area of mutual interest and responsibility and affords opportunities for increased multidisciplinary golfer support. Conversely, if mismanaged, the developmental aspects that interface can create opportunities for conflict and disagreement which should be avoided to ensure the golfer’s development is not impacted.References1. Bliss A (2022). Strength and Conditioning for Golf: A Guide for Coaches and Players. Routledge, UK. 2. Wells JET et al. (2022). Relationships between highly skilled golfers’ clubhead velocity and kinetic variables during a countermovement jump. Sports Biomechanics. 28(1): 1-13 https://doi:10.1080/14763141.2022.2041709 3. Fradkin AJ et al. (2004). How well does club head speed correlate with golf handicaps. J Sci Med Sport. 7(4): 465-472 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1440-2440(04)80265-2 4. Hellstrom J et al. (2014). Drive for dough. PGA Tour golfers’ tee shot functional accuracy, distance and hole score. J Sport Sci. 32(5): 462-469 https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.832353 5. Bliss A &amp; Langdown B (2023). Integrating strength and conditioning training and golf practice during the golf season: approaches and perceptions of highly skilled golfers. Int J Sport Sci Coach. 18(5) https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231166288 6. Bliss A &amp; Langdown B (2023). Integration of golf practice and strength and conditioning in golf: insights from professional golf coaches. Int J Sport Sci Coach . Online first. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231199657 7. Bliss A &amp; Brooks D. (2022). Strength Training for Golfers. In Bliss A (2022) Strength and Conditioning for Golf: A Guide for Coaches and Players. Routledge, UK.<br/

South African gender-based violence researchers’ awareness and usage of bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of open access scholarly publishing

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe traditional model of scholarly communication uses journals, databases, and conferences. With the onset of the digital age, there has been a change in the system of scholarly communication, creating new publishing models, such as open access and institutional repositories, which have emerged as important, scholarly communication models. The research questions addressed in this study investigated the value of using altmetrics, as opposed to traditional metrics for measuring the impact of publications by researchers into gender-based violence (GBV) within South Africa

The INCENTIVE protocol: an evaluation of the organisation and delivery of NHS dental healthcare to patients--innovation in the commissioning of primary dental care service delivery and organisation in the UK

Introduction In England, in 2006, new dental contracts devolved commissioning of dental services locally to Primary Care Trusts to meet the needs of their local population. The new national General Dental Services contracts (nGDS) were based on payment for Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) awarded in three treatment bands based on complexity of care. Recently, contract currency in UK dentistry is evolving from UDAs based on volume and case complexity towards ‘blended contracts’ that include incentives linked with key performance indicators such as quality and improved health outcome. Overall, evidence of the effectiveness of incentive-driven contracting of health providers is still emerging. The INCENTIVE Study aims to evaluate a blended contract model (incentive-driven) compared to traditional nGDS contracts on dental service delivery in practices in West Yorkshire, England. Methods and analysis The INCENTIVE model uses a mixed methods approach to comprehensively evaluate a new incentive-driven model of NHS dental service delivery. The study includes 6 dental surgeries located across three newly commissioned dental practices (blended contract) and three existing traditional practices (nGDS contracts). The newly commissioned practices have been matched to traditional practices by deprivation index, age profile, ethnicity, size of practice and taking on new patients. The study consists of three interlinked work packages: a qualitative study to explore stakeholder perspectives of the new service delivery model; an effectiveness study to assess the INCENTIVE model in reducing the risk of and amount of dental disease and enhance oral health-related quality of life in patients; and an economic study to assess cost-effectiveness of the INCENTIVE model in relation to clinical status and oral health-related quality of life

Vibrational and rotational sequences in 101 Mo and 103,4 Ru studied via multinucleon transfer reactions

The near yrast states of 101 Mo and 103,104 Ru have been studied following their population via heavy ion multinucleon transfer reactions between a 136 Xe beam and a thin, self supporting 100 Mo target. The ground state sequence in 104 Ru can be understood as demonstrating a simple evolution from a quasi vibrational structure at lower spins to statically deformed, quasi rotational excitation involving the population of a pair of low Omega h11 2 neutron orbitals. The effect of the decoupled h11 2 orbital on this vibration to rotational evolution is demonstrated by an extension of the E GOS prescription to include odd A nuclei. The experimental results are also compared with self consistent Total Routhian Surface calculations which also highlight the polarising role of the highly aligned neutron h11 2 orbital in these nucle

Electronic book usage amongst academic librarians in South Africa

Magister Bibliothecologiae - MBiblAmongst university libraries e-books are gaining wider interest since the introduction of portable electronic reading devices and software-based readers. With the growing electronic environment within universities, a need for competent and knowledgeable librarians has come to the forefront of information seeking and use. The research question addressed in this study is to what extent are e-books being used among academic librarians in their work environment? The purpose of this study was to investigate the usage of e-books amongst academic librarians; in particular which e-books are available to academic librarians, why they choose this format, what impact e-books have on librarians’ professional practice and what the usage patterns of ebooks are amongst academic librarians. The methodology used to collect the data is survey research. An electronic questionnaire was distributed on the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) mailing list. The population sample for this study was the subject and reference librarians at South African university libraries who all subscribe to the LIASA mailing list. A user study is the theory that frames this research. The purpose of the user study was to obtain an overview of users’ habits, preferences, and conventions when interacting with in this case, ebooks in a work environment. The majority of user studies concerns clients of the library such as students or academics and how they search for information or what they want from a library service. This particular study is different. The academic librarians are the users in this instance and their use of e-books in their professional work the focus of the study. The results revealed that academic librarians (48% of respondents) would often select the e-book version before print materials if available within their institutions. The results reflect more a gradual trend towards e-book uptake. There is still a preference for print or a “bit of both” – print and electronic. This is because of the high costs of e-books using the subscription model as the predominant e-book acquisition model and the lack of sufficient e-books in all subject fields. Ebooks are used for “browsing for information” and are selected for functionalities such as having the ability to search the document, anytime access and automatic citation. Major problems identified with e-books are (1) the cost of the equipment to read e-book formats, (2) the cost of the e-books especially if the subscription purchasing model is used, (3) the reliability of the internet and (4) the lack of training in how to use e-books. The study concludes by making recommendations for further research